In the last year of his life, Saint Anthony of Padua had a tree house built in a walnut tree, to use as a hermitage, a place of prayer and contemplation. These are reflections coming from my contemplating God's world as a Secular Franciscan.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Habemus Papam; And a Jesuit Yet!

Okay, so this posting has the same title as a hundred plus other postings, but it hard to be more original.

This was a day of firsts; first Pope from South America; first Pope to use the name Francis; and the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.

I was at work when the announcement came in. I hurried down to our building lobby, which has a flat screen TV. They always show CNN, and there it was, the scenes from Rome. They replayed the scene of the white smoke coming out of the smokestack. It appears they finally got the right chemical mix, because I have never seen such unmistakable white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel. Waiting for that announcement, I was experiencing conflicting emotions, fearful that the College of Cardinals may have taken Cardinal Sean from us, but hoping he received the nod. I finally had to go back to my office, and saw the first appearance of the new Pontiff on somebody's computer screen. I had to go to the National Catholic Reporter website to find his bio.

The Franciscan in me is thrilled that he selected the name of our founder. That he is a conservative, well, one could not expect otherwise. I think he could make some Catholic capitalists a little uneasy ( maybe very uneasy)! It is still too early to know what course he will set for the Bark of St. Peter. The next few months will tell. He has definitely set a different style from the moment he stepped out on the balcony. We are in for some interesting times.

St. Anthony of Padua

About Me

I have been a professed Secular Franciscan since 1988. I am married. I am active in my parish, as a lector and member of the choir. The Holy Spirit has lead me on a journey full of twists and turns; from studying for the priesthood, to being a novice for the Franciscan friars, to working in the financial industry. I was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in 2012. It has been a wonderful, spiritual ride so far, and it is not over!

Welcome to all!

All are welcome here. I hope you will find my random thoughts, reflections, and bits of news interesting. I write from a Franciscan and layman's viewpoint about our Church, our country and our world.

Any feedback, comments and criticisms are welcomed, but please, no slander, profanity, name-calling, racism or sexism. I reserve the right to delete any violations. Franciscan charity and compassion will be our guide.

"All who love the Lord with their whole heart, their whole soul and mind, with all their strength and love their neighbors as themselves and hate their bodies with their vices and sins, and receive the Body and Blood of Lord of our Lord Jesus Christ, and produce worthy fruits of penance."(St. Francis of Assisi, Exhortation to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance)